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Welcome!
When we are focused on balancing and integrating our
mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual lives, we often find
it helpful to hear from others on the journey. Our deepest questions
may be articulated by others. We may feel less alone, and more
connected to those around us in meaningful ways.
It
is my hope that the words of this occasional letter will touch
your life and heart- that you will see how a life of more awareness
leads to a life of healing the deepest hurts- a life of compassion
for self and others, and a life worth living! You are invited to share your insights, questions, and requests
for future articles.
| In this issue |
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| Fresh Perspectives |
Connecting with Your Creativity
An excerpt from Nina Livingstone's forthcoming book
Let's Not Call It Meditation: Practical Information for
People Who Think They Can't Sit Still and Quiet the Mind
Recently, I tuned in to a national radio program and
heard an author speak about his book on creativity. I
was surprised to hear him say that the silence out of
which creativity arises, is different than the silence
we experience in meditation. He is mistaken. The wondrous
openness of silence is where all creativity is born.
Our interpretation of the silence defines our understanding
of it, as the radio author suggested, but silence just
is. Silence is the fertile ground of all that is, and
from it, all thought arises. Each person expresses creativity
differently. That is part of the wonder of creativity.
How does creativity express differently in each of us?
It is too big a question to know how to answer. It just
does!
We call something creative because it feels fresh and
unique and because it exists. Our lives express our uniqueness
when we live with awareness. When we intentionally cultivate
awareness, our creativity abundantly expands and expresses
itself.
Awareness allows for the impulse to write, paint, cook,
manage a business, or express all manner of creativity.
One author puts a paper bag over his head to eliminate
distraction and generate new stories for his next book!
He doesn't realize how a simple meditation practice would
help him develop his ability to focus in silence, without
needing to put a paper bag over his head!
One often hears poets and writers speaking of their
muse. Where does the voice of the muse come from? Is
it possible to enter the silence and drop all stories
of what happens there and simple experience it as it
is? What is creativity then?
What exists before a creative thought? Are you curious?
A reminder
It's good to remember, as you continue to explore your
personal flowering of inner growth, that you already
contain all the elements you need to be a beautiful flower.
Whether you are a rose, a tulip, carnation, peony, or
violet, you are already the flower of your own Being.
A flower needs light, moisture, and the right fertilizers
to make it grow. To help the seed of you to grow in awareness
of all you are, you need awareness (the light), the desire
for change (the moisture), and the courage to see through
fears and mistaken beliefs (the fertilizer). You will
grow with the light, and open to the wonder of life,
blossoming fully.
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| Suggestion
Box |
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Everyday Awareness Practices
Waiting Room Meditation
Have you ever noticed how you look or grab for something
to fill the space anytime you have to wait? Have you
ever been waiting-for someone else- in line-or in an
office- and not reached for something to do?
Allowing the space for empty-time, with nothing to do-
gives you the opportunity to use waiting time to explore
what is -what is happening around you and within you,
with gentle, open, curiosity- not judging, not criticizing-
just noticing, just breathing.
Noticing thought, noticing breath, noticing the feel
of your chair, or the ground beneath your feet. Noticing
the sounds around you, and not needing to do anything,
you may find an unexpected gift in waiting time you have
often dreaded-a moment of peace in the midst of an otherwise
busy, stressful day. Simply sitting or standing in line
with nothing else to do but being aware of what is.
Remembering awareness is a gift to your self and others.
Please take care.
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| An Invitation |
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Something
to Think About
Readers
may notice a different format
to the Open Letter this month.
I am experimenting with fewer
articles. Please let me know
what you think.
List
it in your favorites so you
can save the address and check
it out occasionally.
New
Links for Information
Click
below for direct links
to new fees, classes and workshop
info.
New
Standard and Multiple Visit
Fees
and
Combination
Guidance and Qi Gong
Packages
Awareness
at Work
Are you thinking about new
experiences for your group
that promote happiness and
a sense of well- being?
This
three hour workshop
gives
your group
new
skills
for
productivity, happiness,
and wellness.
Awareness
at Work workshop
can:
New
Talks
I
am also looking for opportunities
to give talks to any group
interested in promoting
well-being and happiness
to its members or employees.
These one hour talks will
be available to organizations
in the local Rochester
area and will include the
following topics:
Meditation
for Anyone The Flowering
of Inner GrowthAngry at
Work? Heal the Heart of
It!Opening to Change at
Work (at Home, or in the
World)What is Awareness?A
Forgiveness MeditationA
Meditation on CompassionAnd
more!
10%
of all proceeds of all
workshops and talks will
be donated to a local charity.
A list of charities is
available on request. Please
keep me in mind for a talk
or workshop when your group
discusses schedules. More
information about fees,
referances, and workshop
on link below.
Please
Spread These Words
Offering
others the opportunity
to connect expands our
community! Please consider
forwarding this issue,
with a personal note, to
anyone on your email list
you feel would be interested
in it.
Meditation
CDs
If
you haven't yet explored
Nina's meditation CDs,
you can read about them,
listen to audio samples,
and buy them at www.healingwithawareness.com/cds.htm.
Group
Awareness Meditation
Monday
evening meditation and
discussion sessions continue
at Nina's home in Penfield.
The group is small. Donations
only. Beginners are always
welcome. Call or email
for more info.
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